Overview

• Texas’ mid-decade congressional map, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 29, is now in effect, with Republicans reported to be aiming to flip up to five Democratic seats.
• California voters will decide in November on Proposition 50, a measure that would temporarily replace the Citizens Redistricting Commission’s congressional map with a Democratic-drawn alternative.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom touts Prop. 50 as a way to “push back” on President Trump and “defend democracy,” with reported support from Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Alex Padilla, Adam Schiff, the California AFL-CIO and Eric Holder.
• Opponents, including the Orange County Register editorial board, argue Prop. 50 would undermine California’s independent commission and harm local representation, citing concerns from officials such as Norco’s mayor.
• Opinion writers outline broader remedies, urging Congress to set and certify redistricting criteria and proposing structural change through multimember districts with proportional representation to remove incentives for gerrymandering.